Don't throw away your coffee grounds!

If you've known us for a while, it probably won't surprise you that you can grow oyster mushrooms on coffee grounds. Since 2013, we've been processing local coffee grounds at our Rotterdam nursery. Our mission: to save as much coffee grounds as possible from being incinerated. You can easily do this at home too with our grow kit .

If you still have some coffee grounds left over, and like us, you're against throwing them away, we have some valuable tips for you!

A soft skin
They're popping up like mushrooms: pricey creams and shampoos containing caffeine. It's claimed that this substance has a calming effect on the skin and prevents wrinkles, although there's no scientific evidence for the latter. Coffee grounds do contain antioxidants that can reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Besides the power of caffeine, coffee grounds also have a grainy texture, making them perfect for a homemade scrub! Mix some (skin) oil into the coffee grounds and treat yourself to a soft, smooth skin.

Don't feel like crafting? We developed a coffee soap that contains a whopping 20% ​​coffee grounds and added other caring ingredients.

The odor eater
You know the feeling: you've been in the kitchen and still have garlicky hands all evening. Coffee grounds to the rescue! They have the ability to absorb odors.

Rubbing some coffee grounds between your hands releases oils that eliminate unwanted odors. It also leaves your hands soft! The aforementioned coffee soap has a similar effect, for those who prefer that.

Unwanted odors in the refrigerator, car, or (athletics) shoes can also be combated with a cup or bag filled with coffee grounds. Just be sure to change them regularly.

As a soil improver
We recently conducted research into the use of coffee grounds and spent mushroom substrate as a soil improver. There are indications that these residual streams have a positive effect on plant growth!

Coffee grounds have a slightly acidic pH. So, only use them on plants that thrive in acidic soil, such as rhododendrons and hydrangeas.

Troubled by snails in your garden and cats relieving themselves among your tomato plants? They're not fond of the smell of coffee grounds. Here's a natural way to keep them at bay.

Nice and clean
Besides exfoliating your skin, you can also use coffee grounds as an abrasive for deep cleaning. Think of scrubbing a scorched pan or oven. You can mix the coffee grounds with dish soap.

You don't need bright yellow products to unclog your sink either. Make a mixture of boiled water, dish soap, and coffee grounds and rinse thoroughly.